Since graduating with her ESS degree, Allison now works for the National Park Service, within the Wildlife Health Branch of the Biological Resources Division.  As the Administrative Assistant for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) she manages communication and records associated with animal research projects happening in national parks across the country.  She also assists the Wildlife Health Branch at large with diagnostic services and other administrative tasks.

person holding baby turtleperson with animal

What led you to a natural resources education/career?

I started at CSU thinking I was going to pursue vet school, but then I saw an announcement about a field course in Alaska (Tatoosh School) and realized if I was studying natural resources I could get credit to spend a summer kayaking around Alaska! I switched to ESS and went to Alaska at the end of my sophomore year and immediately knew that I had made the right decision. I have always enjoyed spending time outdoors in any capacity and looking back it was inevitable that I ended up working in natural resources.

What do you identify as your 'big break?'

I would say my "big break" came the summer before my final semester when I attended RMSSN Academy with (ESS affiliate faculty and former NPS employee) Dr. Gillian Bowser. By then I had my heart set on working for the National Park Service (NPS) and this summer experience allowed me to network with NPS staff in Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and Biological Resources Division (BRD). When I got back to CSU that fall, I reached out to Dr. Bowser about getting connected with BRD in Fort Collins and the rest is history!

What are you up to now in your job? Any noteworthy projects to discuss?

I'm currently working on developing some outreach and training materials to familiarize more park staff with what the IACUC is and how we review animal research protocols. I am also helping to send supplies out to parks to use in their wildlife management and research projects this field season.

Can you reflect on your time and experiences at CSU and how it benefited you?

I loved my time at CSU! While I did enjoy and learn a lot through my academic pursuits, it was really the extracurricular activities that have had a lasting impact. I worked as a Resident Assistant in the Warner College sponsored communities on campus and co-founded the ESS Club. I was also very fortunate to attend Tatoosh School (in Southeast Alaska) as a substitution for the Mountain Campus field course.

How did CSU set you up for success in your career field?

CSU is a great place to network with natural resources professionals, especially in Warner College! The faculty and staff are incredibly knowledgeable and connected throughout the state and nation. There are also an incredible amount of agencies and non-profits with offices in Fort Collins that are always looking to engage and employ the next generation of stewards.

What advice do you have for current students or recent grads?

Get engaged in a diversity of experiences that will help you learn what you like as much as what you don't like! I believe that there is no such thing as a bad experience. That's not to say that every experience is enjoyable in the moment, but some of the greatest lessons I've learned came out of experiences that challenged me.

Any recent awards or distinctions you may have received?

I attended the Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIMR) IACUC national meeting in March 2017 and was asked to do a guest blog about my experience as a young professional in wildlife research.